Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Koala present two compelling options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a balanced typing experience that feels both precise and audible. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a nuanced stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user, catering perfectly to those who desire a satisfying keystroke that doesn't sacrifice comfort. With its polished, low-pitched sound and a bit of resonance, the Koala strikes a nice balance, ensuring that gameplay or typing remains focused and enjoyable. Both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, but their distinct qualities may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Koala, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sound profile that is characterized as sharp, high-pitched, and crisp due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of the material not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially when RGB lighting is implemented, but also ensures a resonance that enriches the auditory experience during use. This shared material choice positions both switches similarly in terms of the sound quality and visual effects offered through backlighting, providing users with an expectation of clarity and brightness in sound feedback.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials diverge, with the Cliff employing nylon and the Koala also featuring nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, yielding a duller resonance. This characteristic is prevalent in both switches, as they leverage the sound-absorbing properties of nylon to create a unique typing experience. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the deeper sound is present as users bottom out, reinforcing a sense of consistency in auditory feedback despite the differing top housing materials.
The interplay of the two different housing materials in each switch provides a comprehensive experience. While the top housing of both the Bsun Cliff and Durock Koala delivers sharpness and clarity through polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing introduces a contrasting depth that enriches tactile feedback. In practice, this combination means that users can expect a finely balanced sound profile from both switches, with clarity from the top and depth from the bottom. Ultimately, the distinctive characteristics offered by each housing material merge to create a well-rounded sensory experience tailored for various user preferences in gaming or typing environments.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff features a lightweight actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Koala lacks a specified actuation force but has a considerably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This means that while the Cliff is lighter and easier to press, resulting in less strain during use, the Koala's heavier bottom out may provide a more pronounced feedback for users who enjoy that push-back feeling. Thus, while the switches serve different preferences, the Cliff is undeniably the lighter option, offering a gentler touch, whereas the Koala stands out with its heavier resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Cliff measuring 3.6 mm and the Koala at 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, appealing to gamers and those who prioritize quicker response times, while the Koala, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback during key presses. The traditional travel distance is closer to 4 mm, making the Koala align more with typical preferences, whereas the Cliff offers a modern approach with its slightly shorter distance. If you select either switch based on your preference for travel distance, you can achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness or tactile feel, but the experience will differ distinctly based on which travel distance you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp auditory experience that is characterized by a medium timbre. This distinct sound signature can offer satisfying acoustic feedback during typing, making it enjoyable for both casual users and typists who appreciate audible confirmation of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch leans towards a low-pitched sound profile that is remarkably neutral. This results in a mellow yet balanced acoustics that cater to a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. Both switches provide unique auditory qualities, but while the Cliff is more pronounced in its crispness, the Koala offers a smoother and more subdued tuning, allowing users to find satisfaction depending on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch is noted for its balanced tactile experience, which lies comfortably in the medium range. This means it provides a distinct tactile feedback without being overly aggressive, making it a great choice for a variety of typing styles. On the flip side, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished and accented, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. With its stepped tactility, the Koala gives a pronounced bump but without overwhelming the user. The addition of a stiffer action means typists will encounter a greater resistance when engaging the keys, imparting a more deliberate feel as they type. Overall, while both switches offer satisfactory tactile engagement, the Koala might appeal more to those wanting a defined yet controllable tactile response.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a crisp auditory feedback, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch will likely enhance your typing experience with its medium sound profile. However, if you prefer a more neutral, low-pitched sound coupled with a polished touch, the Durock Koala could be the right choice, especially with its stepped tactility and stiffness. Each switch caters to different tastes, and ultimately, your personal typing style and comfort will dictate which switch best suits your needs, as both options can provide unique yet enjoyable mechanical experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch primarily depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light keystroke that requires less force at 45 grams, the Cliff is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a crisp sound signature alongside a medium tactility. This switch can be particularly appealing if you type frequently for extended periods and want a switch that minimizes finger fatigue while still providing satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that strikes a balance with a medium-heavy feel at 67 grams, the Koala is tailored for you. Its stepped tactility and polished finish deliver a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced bump that adds a punchier feedback without overwhelming your fingertips. The Koala’s low-pitched sound and neutral profile also make it a versatile option suitable for both gaming and office environments. In essence, you can select the Cliff for a lighter, crisper experience or opt for the Koala for a slightly heftier feel and distinct tactile feedback, ultimately aligning with how you intend to use your keyboard.
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